Currently the idea of “white guy scholarships” has a small, but vocal following that, yes, falls outside the circle of right wing loudmouths. It is among us. There is a bubbling wellspring of blog brouhaha on the topic, pro and con, some legitimate, some whiney. Make no mistake; this is an incendiary topic, to say the least. Words like “outrage” and “bigotry” are already bandied about like flies. And it’s early in the season. I know, white guys can get anything they want, right?
And I suppose you think it’s easy being a member of the oppressing class??
In many respects, it ISN’T easy being White (and male) these days. Every ethnic group, nationality, interest group, or other subculture is able to claim historical oppression these days. Being White and in possession of a penis puts one very much behind the eight-ball…especially when it comes to collecting goodies. It’s as if we’re expected to take it in the shorts for the sins of our fathers, right? All we want is an opportunity to get ahead…and they’re weighing down our saddle before we even leave the starting line.
Whether or not you agree with the above, there’s a very definite angry undercurrent among the White majority (and yes, it seems we’re still #1 on the list of Oppressors). Why is it that every one else gets a scholarship program? Why is it OK to give scholarships specifically to Native Americans…but not specifically to White Males? When do we get to get in on the spoils? When do we get judged for the content of our characters instead of the color of our skin (and our gender)?
I’m not certain that I can answer those questions, other than to say that in the current racial climate, if you’re White, you’re going to need
- a good lawyer or three,
- the willingness and ability to make a lot of noise, and
- accept that you’re going to be viewed as a racist, if not a flat-out White supremacist. Failing that,
- you’re SOL.
Despair not, though…for there’s hope. If you can get over your self-victimization, you might find there are still plenty of scholarship opportunities available to oppressed White Guys. Instead of whining about the other guy’s supposedly getting, how about figuring out what’s available, what you qualify for, and then throw yourself into pursuing those scholarships? People who wallow in their alleged victimhood are people who never go far in life. Instead of seeing opportunities, they see hurdles. Instead of determining who might be able to help them pursue a dream, they’re too busy trying to figure out to blame because they keep falling short.
There’s always a really good “why I can’t.” Perhaps it’s time to begin thinking in terms of “Why not…me??” I’m reminded of an old Don Henley song, “Get Over It”:
They point their crooked little fingers at everybody else
Spend all their time feelin’ sorry for themselves
Victim of this, victim of that
Your momma’s too thin; your daddy’s too fat
Get over it
Solid advice, that.
